The government's research has shown mandatory work activity does not help people get a job and that A4e, its flagship "welfare to work" company, has not met even the minimum target for finding work (just 3.5% of its "clients" have found long-term jobs). Yet such companies call for more punishments and for benefits to be stopped more often. The jubilee celebrations saw the scandal of unemployed people made to sleep under a bridge and work in terrible conditions, without pay. It is time to end the real "something for nothing" culture: this means ending the £5bn workfare schemes which subsidise a free workforce for multi-million pound companies and charities. Workfare does not create a single job. Indeed, we have seen it replace paid work. It's time to start helping people seeking work rather than punishing them. We support the 7-14 July week of action against workfare and call on all organisations to challenge forced unpaid work by boycotting workfare.Mark Serwotka PCS general secretaryAidan McQuadeDirector, Anti-slavery InternationalRichard Whittell Corporate WatchJoanna LongBoycott WorkfareKerry Jenkins Community and Youth Workers in UniteLinda Burnip Disabled People Against CutsJohn McArdle Black Triangle CampaignIan Sandeman DLA help groupGeorgina BavettaForum for Fair EmploymentDaniel Garvin Pay UpSteven Preece Social Welfare UnionEllie Schling London Coalition Against PovertyMaria Warren Islington Poverty Action GroupSarah LasenbyOxford Save our ServicesMichael CormackEdinburgh Coalition Against Poverty

• The announcement that Holland & Barrett is to withdraw from workfare after being targeted by protesters is another welcome sign that protest works. Its attempt to slur anti-workfare protesters as a violent minority is not so welcome. The real violence is hugely profitable companies making even more money on the back of these labour schemes, while more than a million young people are left to rot on the unemployment scrapheap. Poundland, another workfare exploiter which recently announced profits up 27% to £40.1m, should take note.Mark DunkRight to Work campaign